U.S. patent application number 16/739976 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-15 for heated animal water supply container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Manna Pro Products, LLC. Invention is credited to Wei Wang.
Application Number | 20210212287 16/739976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004628642 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210212287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Wei |
July 15, 2021 |
HEATED ANIMAL WATER SUPPLY CONTAINER
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a heated animal water supply container
including a reservoir including an annular wall that defines a
reservoir chamber and a basin coupled to the reservoir. The basing
includes a base positioned beneath and coupled to the reservoir, an
outer wall and, a heating system. The outer wall extends from the
base, and the outer wall, the annular and the base define a trough
configured to retain water. The base is planar between the outer
wall and the annular wall. The heating system is coupled to the
base and configured to transmit thermal energy to water within
trough and reservoir chamber.
Inventors: |
Wang; Wei; (Wuxi City,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Manna Pro Products, LLC |
Chesterfield |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004628642 |
Appl. No.: |
16/739976 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 7/04 20130101; A01K
7/025 20130101; A01K 7/027 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 7/02 20060101
A01K007/02; A01K 7/04 20060101 A01K007/04 |
Claims
1. An animal water supply container, the water supply container
comprising: a reservoir comprising an annular wall that defines a
reservoir chamber; a basin coupled to the reservoir, the basin
comprising: a base positioned beneath and coupled to the reservoir;
and an outer wall extending from the base, wherein the outer wall,
the annular wall, and the base define a trough configured to retain
water, wherein the base is between the outer wall and the annular
wall; and a heating system coupled to the base and configured to
transmit thermal energy to water within trough and reservoir
chamber.
2. The water supply container in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the heating system comprises a heating element coupled to the base
and extending along the base opposite the trough.
3. The water supply container in accordance with claim 2, wherein
the heating system comprises a temperature sensor positioned
beneath the base opposite the reservoir.
4. The water supply container in accordance with claim 3, wherein
the heating system comprises a controller coupled to the
temperature sensor and to the heating element and positioned
beneath the base opposite the reservoir.
5. The water supply container in accordance with claim 4, wherein
the temperature sensor and the controller are combined together in
a single component.
6. The water supply container in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the reservoir comprises a valve container that defines a valve
chamber, the valve chamber coupled in flow communication with the
reservoir chamber via an inlet defined in the valve container.
7. The water supply container in accordance with claim 6, wherein
the reservoir comprises a float valve positioned with the valve
chamber, wherein the float valve is configured to selectively seal
the inlet to control a flow of water from the reservoir chamber to
the valve chamber.
8. The water supply container in accordance with claim 7, wherein
the float valve comprises a stopper configured to seal the inlet
when the float valve is in a first position, and wherein the
stopper is configured to allow the flow of water into the valve
chamber when the float valve is in a second position.
9. The water supply container in accordance with claim 8, wherein
the first position is associated with a first water level in the
valve chamber, and wherein the second position is associated with a
second water level within the valve chamber that is lower than the
first water level.
10. The water supply container in accordance with claim 8, wherein
the reservoir further comprises at least one passage extending
between the valve container and the trough through the annular
wall, wherein the passage couples the valve chamber in flow
communication with the trough.
11. The water supply container in accordance with claim 10, further
comprising a filter positioned between the passage and the valve
chamber to prevent debris from entering the valve chamber.
12. The water supply container in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the reservoir is removably coupled to the basin.
13. The water supply container in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the reservoir comprises a top-fill reservoir.
14. The water supply container in accordance with claim 1, further
comprising a lid removably coupled to the reservoir.
15. An animal water supply container, the water supply container
including: a reservoir comprising: an annular wall that defines a
reservoir chamber; and a valve container that defines a valve
chamber, the valve chamber coupled in flow communication with the
reservoir chamber via an inlet defined in the valve container; a
basin coupled to the reservoir, the basin comprising: a base
positioned beneath and coupled to the reservoir; and an outer wall
extending from the base, wherein the outer wall, the annular wall,
and the base define a trough configured to retain water, wherein
the reservoir further comprises at least one passage extending
between the valve container and the trough through the annular
wall, wherein the passage couples the valve chamber in flow
communication with the trough.
16. The water supply container in accordance with claim 15, wherein
the reservoir comprises a float valve positioned with the valve
chamber, wherein the float valve is configured to selectively seal
the inlet to control a flow of water from the reservoir chamber to
the valve chamber.
17. The water supply container in accordance with claim 16, wherein
the float valve comprises a stopper configured to seal the inlet
when the float valve is in a first position, and wherein the
stopper is configured to allow the flow of water into the valve
chamber when the float valve is in a second position, wherein the
first position is associated with a first water level in the valve
chamber, and wherein the second position is associated with a
second water level within the valve chamber that is lower than the
first water level.
18. The water supply container in accordance with claim 15, further
comprising a lid removably coupled to the reservoir, wherein the
reservoir comprises a top-fill reservoir.
19. The water supply container in accordance with claim 15, further
comprising a heating system coupled to the base and configured to
transmit thermal energy to water within trough and reservoir
chamber.
20. The water supply container in accordance with claim 19, wherein
the heating system comprises a heating element coupled to the base
and extending along the base opposite the trough.
Description
[0001] The present disclosure relates to animal water supply
containers, and more particularly, to a water supply container that
may be readily refilled and that heats the water contained within
the animal water supply container.
BACKGROUND
[0002] At least some known animal water supply containers include a
reservoir for storing a quantity of water. Typically, the reservoir
supplies water to an outer drinking trough surrounding the
reservoir, which is accessible to the animal. At least some known
animal water supply containers employ one or more mechanisms to
control the flow of water from the reservoir to the drinking
trough. For example, some known water supply containers utilize a
passive gravity mechanism that draws water from inside the
reservoir to fill the drinking trough. In some other known animal
water supply containers, the mechanism may include an
animal-actuated valve.
[0003] Animal water supply devices may be used outdoors or inside
animal housings where there is limited control over the ambient
temperature. For example, animal water supply containers may be
placed in a chicken coop with minimal heating. When temperatures
drop below freezing, water contained in the animal water supply
container may form ice or completely freeze, restricting the flow
of water from the reservoir into the drinking trough and inhibiting
animal access to drinkable water.
[0004] Further, some known designs of animal water supply
containers require tedious and sometimes challenging refilling
methods. For example, some water supply containers require
detaching the reservoir from the drinking trough. Then, the user
must invert the reservoir such that the open end is upright,
allowing the operator to fill the reservoir. While the reservoir is
inverted, the drinking trough is reattached to the reservoir, and
then the user must tip back over the whole, water filled container
such that the drinking trough is upward orientated and the
reservoir is downward-orientated.
[0005] Accordingly, it may be advantageous for animal water supply
containers to control the temperature of the water and allow an
operator to easily refill the reservoir.
SUMMARY
[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed an animal
water supply container. The animal water supply container includes
a reservoir and a basin. The reservoir includes an annular wall
that defines a reservoir chamber. The basin is coupled to the
reservoir and the basin includes a base, an outer wall, and a
heating system. The base is positioned beneath and coupled to the
reservoir. The outer wall extends from the base. The outer wall,
the annular wall, and the base define a trough configured to retain
water. The base is planar between the outer wall and the annular
wall. The heating system is coupled to the base and configured to
transmit thermal energy to water within trough and reservoir
chamber.
[0007] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed an
animal water supply container, the water supply container includes
reservoir. The reservoir includes an annular wall, a valve
container, and a basin. The annular wall defines a reservoir
chamber. The valve container defines a valve chamber. The valve
chamber is coupled in flow communication with the reservoir chamber
via an inlet defined in the valve container. The basin includes a
base and an outer wall. The base is positioned beneath and coupled
to the reservoir. The outer wall extends from the base. The outer
wall extends from the base. The outer wall, the annular wall, and
the base define a trough configured to retain water. The reservoir
further comprises at least one passage extending between the valve
container and the trough through the annular wall, wherein the
passage couples the valve chamber in flow communication the
trough.
[0008] Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation
to the above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure. Further
features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects of
the present disclosure as well. These refinements and additional
features may exist individually or in any combination. For
instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of
the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure may be
incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present
disclosure, alone or in any combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a heated
animal water supply container;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the example heated
animal water supply container shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cross-section of the
example heated animal water supply container shown in FIGS. 1 and
2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base of the example
heated animal water supply container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
and
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an example control system for
heating the water in the heated animal water supply container.
[0014] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an example heated animal water supply
container 100 according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure. Supply container 100 includes a reservoir formed
integrally with a basin. A buoyant float valve regulates the flow
of liquid from within the reservoir through a valve chamber and
into a drinking trough that provides drinking water to animals. A
heating system is used to control the temperature of the water
within the reservoir, the valve chamber, and the drinking
trough.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the water supply container
100 including a reservoir 102 and a basin 104. The basin 104
includes a base 106 and an outer wall 108 that extends upward from
the base 106. The reservoir 102 includes a storage chamber 110
(shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) defined by an annular wall 112 that
extends upward from the base 106 of the basin 104. The annular wall
112 is generally concentric with the outer wall 108 such that the
annular wall 112 is spaced a distance inward of the outer wall 108
to define an annular drinking trough 114 therebetween. In some
example embodiments, the reservoir 102 is removably coupled to the
basin 104.
[0017] In embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the reservoir 102 is
bucket shaped and is sized to store enough water to fill the
annular drinking trough 114. Alternatively, the reservoir 102 may
be any shape to enable the storage chamber 110 to store enough
liquid to fill the annular drinking trough 114. In embodiment shown
in FIGS. 1-3, the reservoir 102 includes a top-fill reservoir.
[0018] A lid 116 may be removably coupled to the reservoir 102. The
lid 116 may include a handle 118 and/or features that allow a user
to easily remove and reattach the lid 116 to the reservoir 102. For
example, the user may easily detach the lid 116 from the reservoir
102 in order to refill the storage chamber 110 through a top end
120 of the reservoir 102. In some example embodiments, the lid 116
and the top end 120 of the reservoir 102 may include threading
features, such that lid 116 may be threaded on to the reservoir
102. In other example embodiments, the lid 116 may be press-fit
onto the top end 120 of the reservoir 102.
[0019] The annular drinking trough 114 is formed by a portion of
the outer wall 108, a portion of the base 106, and a portion 111 of
the annular wall 112. In embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the outer
wall 108 and the portion of the annular wall 112 act as the side
boundaries of the annular drinking trough 114. The base 106 is
planar between annular wall 112 and outer wall 108 and acts as a
lower boundary of the annular drinking trough 114. The lower
boundary may account for a significant portion of the total
boundary of the annular drinking trough 114. As a result, water
contained within the annular drinking trough 114 is substantially
in contact with the lower boundary defined by the base 106.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 2, the water supply container 100 further
includes a valve container 150 positioned within the storage
chamber 110 and spaced inwardly from the annular wall 112. The
valve container 150 defines a valve chamber 152 housing a buoyant
float valve 154. The valve chamber 152 is in flow-communication
with the storage chamber 110. The reservoir 102 further includes an
annular base 156 that may be formed integrally with the annular
wall 112 and that extends the annular wall 112 parallel to the base
106 of the basin 104. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, the
annular base 156 is coupled to and contacts the base 106. In other
example embodiments, the annular base 156 may be formed integrally
with the base 106.
[0021] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, the valve container
150 is formed integrally with the annular base 156. In alternative
embodiments, the valve container 150 may be formed integrally with
the base 106. In other alternative embodiments, the valve container
may be coupled to at least one of the annular base 156 or base
106.
[0022] In embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the valve container 150 is
cylindrically-shaped and includes an annular wall 158 and a top
portion 160. The annular wall 158 includes a lower edge 159 that
extends upward from the base 106 or the annular base 156 to a
height of h.sub.158.
[0023] The valve container 150 further includes a base mesh 162
(also referred to herein as filter). The base mesh 162 is located
in proximity to the base 106 of the basin 104 between the float
valve 154 and the base 106. In operation, dirt and debris is
deposited into the annular drinking trough 114 by the animals, and
the base mesh 162 acts as a filter to reduce the amount of debris
that flows into the valve chamber 152 from the annular drinking
trough 114. In some example embodiments, the valve container 150
may not include a base mesh 162. As such, at least a portion of the
base 106 may act as a lower boundary to the valve chamber 152.
[0024] The top portion 160 includes an inlet 170 defining the
boundary of an opening between the storage chamber 110 and the
valve chamber 152. In this illustrated embodiment, the inlet 170 is
relatively centered on the top portion 160 and the inlet is
circular in shape. The top portion 160 further includes a tapered
extrusion 172 extending upward from the rest of the top portion 160
surrounding the inlet 170.
[0025] The inlet 170 allows a liquid to flow from within the
storage chamber 110 and into the valve chamber 152 through the
inlet 170. The buoyant float valve 154 is sized and shaped to fit
within the valve container with a clearance volume to enable liquid
flowing into the valve chamber 152 through the inlet 170 to fill
the valve chamber 152 in the clearance volume surrounding the
buoyant float valve 154. The buoyant float valve 154 may be sized,
shaped, and, formed of a material that enables the the buoyant
float valve 154 to float within the contents of the valve chamber
152, e.g., the buoyant float valve 154 may float in water contained
in the valve chamber 152 In addition, the buoyant float valve 154
may be filled with substance that enables the buoyant float valve
154 to float. For example, the buoyant float valve 154 may be
filled with air.
[0026] The buoyant float valve 154 is relatively cylindrical in
shape and includes a top side 174. The top side 174 of the buoyant
float valve 154 includes a stopper 176. The stopper 176 has tapered
conical shape and extends upward from the rest of the top side 174.
More specifically, the stopper 176 includes a proximal portion 175,
arranged near the top side 174 and a distal portion 177 arranged
distal the top side 174. The proximal portion 175 includes a
diameter greater than a diameter of the distal portion 177. The
buoyant float valve 154 is arranged within the valve chamber 152 to
position the top side 174 in proximity to the top portion 160 of
the valve container 150, and the stopper 176 is arranged on the top
side 174 to dispose at least a portion of the stopper 176 within
the inlet 170.
[0027] The tapered conical shape of the stopper 176 allows the
stopper 176 to fit within the tapered extrusion 172 of the top
portion 160 of the valve container 150. Further, the tapered
conical shape of the stopper 176 may partially or fully block the
inlet 170 to control the flow of liquid from the storage chamber
110 of the reservoir 102 into the valve chamber 152.
[0028] The buoyant float valve 154 moves to its lowest position
when the valve chamber 152 is substantially empty, i.e., not filled
with a liquid in the clearance area surrounding the buoyant float
valve 154. At the lowest position, at least a portion of the
stopper 176 is at least partially disposed within the inlet 170.
The stopper 176 is sized and shape such, that in the lowest
position, there is radial clearance between the stopper 176 and the
inlet 170, allowing a liquid to pass from the storage chamber 110
of the reservoir 102 into valve chamber 152. For example, when the
buoyant float valve 154 is in the lowest position, the distal
portion 177 is disposed within the inlet 170. The diameter of the
distal portion 177 is smaller than the diameter of the inlet 170 to
form a clearance between the distal portion 177 of the stopper 176
and the inlet 170 allowing water to flow through this clearance
into the valve chamber 152.
[0029] Additionally, the buoyant float valve 154 moves to its
highest position when the valve chamber 152 is substantially
filled, i.e. a liquid has filled at least a portion of the
clearance area surrounding the buoyant float valve 154. At the
highest point, a substantial portion of the stopper 176 is blocking
the inlet 170, thereby sealing the storage chamber 110 from the
valve chamber 152 and preventing a liquid from passing from the
storage chamber 110 into the valve chamber 152. For example, when
the buoyant float valve 154 is in the highest position, the
proximal portion 175 is disposed within the inlet 170. The diameter
of the proximal portion 175 is approximately similar to the
diameter of inlet 170, or the tapered shaped of the stopper 176 is
pressed against the tapered extrusion 172, or a combination of the
two, such that a liquid is prevented from entering the valve
chamber 152.
[0030] The stopper 176 is sized and shaped such that, in either the
highest or lowest positions, at least a portion of the stopper 176
is disposed within the inlet 170. In some example embodiments, a
portion of the inlet 170 or top portion 160 may press against the
stopper 176, keeping the stopper 176 in a substantially upright
position. Alternatively, or additionally, stopper 176 and inlet 170
may include other or additional features that ensure clearance
between the stopper 176 and inlet 170 when the buoyant float valve
154 is in the lowest position. Likewise, stopper 176 and inlet 170
may include other or additional features that ensure sealing
between storage chamber 110 and the valve chamber 152 when the
buoyant float valve 154 is in the highest position.
[0031] In this illustrated embodiment, the valve chamber 152 is
further in flow communication with the annular drinking trough 114.
One or more of passages 180 (shown in FIG. 3) connect the valve
chamber 152 with the annular drinking trough 114, allowing a liquid
to flow from within the valve chamber 152 and into the annular
drinking trough 114. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1-3, the
passages 180 may include a first passage 180 and a second passage
(not shown) extending between valve chamber and the annular
drinking trough 114.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, the supply container 100 further
includes a first flange 182 and a second flange (not shown) that
extend from the annular wall 158 of the valve container 150 to the
annular wall 112 of the reservoir 102. The sizes and shapes of the
first flange 182 and the second flange are such that the first
flange 182 and the second flange do not take up a significant
volume of the storage chamber 110. In other example embodiments,
the first flange 182 and second flange may be any shape or size
allowing the first flange 182 or the second flange to extend
between the valve container 150 and the annular wall 112.
[0033] The first passage 180 is formed through the first flange 182
and the second passage is formed through the second flange. The
first passage 180 and the second passage extend between the valve
chamber 152 and the annular drinking trough 114.
[0034] The first flange 182 includes a first exit port 184 located
on the annular wall 158 opening into the first passage 180. The
first passage 180 leads to a first outlet 186 on the annular wall
112 opening into the annular drinking trough 114. As such, liquid
contained in the valve chamber 152 flows out of the first exit port
184, through the first passage 180, out of the first outlet 186,
and into the annular drinking trough 114. The first passage 180 is
sized and shaped to extend the first passage 180 from the lower
edge 159 of the valve chamber 152 to a height of h.sub.180.
Further, the first exit port 184 and the first outlet 186 have a
height similar to the height of h.sub.180 of the first passage
180.
[0035] The second flange includes a second exit port located on the
annular wall 158 opening into the second passage. The second
passage leads to a second outlet on the annular wall 112 opens into
the annular drinking trough 114. Liquid contained in the valve
chamber 152 flows out of the second exit port, through the second
passage, out of the second outlet, and into the annular drinking
trough 114. The second passage is sized and shaped to extend second
passage from the lower edge 159 of the valve chamber 152 to a
second passage height. Further, the second exit port and the second
outlet have a height similar to the second passage height.
[0036] In this illustrated embodiment, the height of the first
passage 180 is greater than the height of the second passage. In
alternative embodiments, the first passage 180 and the second
passage may be of any size or shape that allows a liquid to flow
from within the valve chamber 152 and into the annular drinking
trough 114.
[0037] In other example embodiments, the supply container 100 may
include additional or alternative passages that enable the supply
container 100 to function as described herein.
[0038] In this illustrated embodiment, the base mesh 162 includes a
thickness t.sub.162 that is slightly less than the height of the
second passage. As such, water may pass through a clearance between
the base mesh 162 and the valve chamber 152 through the second exit
port, through the second passage, and out of the second outlet.
Further, the base mesh 162 may limit the back flow of debris from
the annular drinking trough 114 into the valve chamber 152 by
blocking debris that has settled in the base 106 near either the
first passage 180 or the second passage. In other words, the base
mesh 162 may act as a filter.
[0039] The heated water supply container 100 as described in the
present disclosure is reusable and includes features that readily
enable a user to refill the storage chamber 110 and control the
flow of water to the annular drinking trough 114. For example,
during a refilling operation, a user may readily remove the lid 116
to expose the storage chamber 110 of the reservoir 102 for
refilling. As the storage chamber 110 is being refilled, the water
level within the storage chamber 110 rises. When the water level
within the storage chamber 110 reach a height above the height
h.sub.110, water may flow from within the storage chamber 110,
though the inlet 170, and into the valve chamber 152.
[0040] As the valve chamber 152 begins to fill with water in the
clearance volume around the buoyant float valve 154, water begins
to exit the valve chamber 152 through the first exit port 184 and
flow through the passage 180. The water flows through the passage
180, exits through the first outlet 186, and into the annular
drinking trough 114, filling the annular drinking trough 114.
[0041] As the water fills in the valve chamber 152, the buoyant
float valve 154 begins to float and rise. As such, the stopper 176
also rises upward, forcing the stopper 176 into sealing engagement
with the inlet 170. When the stopper 176 completely blocks the
inlet 170, water is prevented from flowing from the storage chamber
110 into the valve chamber 152, thereby preventing overflow of the
annular drinking trough 114.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, as animals begin to consume the water
in the annular drinking trough 114, the fluid level begins to lower
in the annular drinking trough 114. Water is subsequently drawn out
of the valve chamber 152 through passage 180. This lowers the water
level in the valve chamber 152, and the buoyant float valve 154
descends. As the buoyant float valve 154 descends, at least a
portion of the stopper 176 is at least partially disposed within
the inlet 170; however, there is clearance between the stopper 176
and the inlet 170, allowing the water to flow from the storage
chamber 110 of the reservoir 102 into valve chamber 152.
Accordingly, water filling the valve chamber 152 exits through the
first exit port 184, flows through the passage 180, flows out of
the first outlet 186, and into the annular drinking trough 114.
[0043] In embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the water supply
container 100 further includes a heating system 200 used to control
or adjust the temperature of a liquid contained in the supply
container 100. The heating system 200 may be used to supply thermal
energy to the water within the annular drinking trough 114 and in
the storage chamber 110.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the heating system 200 includes
a heating element 202, a temperature sensor 204, and a controller
206. The heating element 202 is coupled to the base 106 and extends
along the base 106 opposite the annular drinking trough 114. The
heating element 202 is arranged in proximity to a bottom surface
208 of the base 106 of the basin 104. In this illustrated
embodiment, the heating element 202 is mounted to the bottom
surface 208. The heating element 202 is arranged to enable the
heating element 202 to heat the entire bottom surface 208 of the
base 106. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the heating
element 202 is arranged in a circular serpentine pattern on the
bottom surface 208. Additionally, or alternatively, the heating
element 202 may be arranged in other or different patterns on the
base 106. Generally, heating element 202 is configured in any
manner to produce sufficient heat to keep the water within the
annular drinking trough 114, the valve chamber 152, and the storage
chamber 110 in liquid form.
[0045] In some example embodiments, the bottom surface 208 of the
base 106 may be coated or covered, in a metallic material, for
example and without limitation, foil sheets. This metallic material
may conduct the thermal energy generated by the heating elements
202 to enable uniform heating of the base 106. Further, the
metallic material shields excessive heating in localized areas
surrounding the heating element 202 by dispersing the thermal
energy more evenly or uniformly. Additionally, or alternatively,
the base 106 may be formed of a heat-conductive material.
[0046] As described herein, at least a portion of the base 106 acts
as a boundary to the annular drinking trough 114 and to the valve
chamber 152. The thermal energy emitted by the heating element 202
in proximity to the bottom surface 208 is transmitted through the
base 106 and to the liquid contained in both the annular drinking
trough 114 and the valve chamber 152. Maintaining the temperature
of the liquid in the valve chamber 152 is of particular importance,
as ice formation and/or complete freezing of the liquid in the
valve chamber 152 will affect the performance of the buoyant float
valve 154. More specifically, thermal energy generated by the
heating element 202 passes through a first thickness of the base
and substantially transmit heat to the liquid contained in the
valve chamber 152 and the annular drinking trough 114.
[0047] Further, the annular base 156 of the reservoir 102 is in
direct contact or is coupled to the base 106. Accordingly, thermal
energy emitted by the heating element 202 is transmitted through
the first thickness of the base 106 and through a second thickness
of the annular base 156 to heat the liquid contained in the storage
chamber 110. In some other example embodiments, the annular base
156 may be formed by at least a portion of base 106. Accordingly,
heat generated by the heating element 202 may only need to pass
through the first thickness of the base 106.
[0048] The basin 104 may include a lower wall 210 that extends
downward from the bottom surface 208 of the base 106. The, the
height of the lower wall 210 creates a clearance between the
heating element 202 and the ground.
[0049] The temperature sensor 204 is used to monitor the
temperature of a liquid contained in the supply container 100. In
the embodiments shown in FIG. 1-5, the temperature sensor is
positioned beneath the base 106 opposite the reservoir 102.
[0050] In some example embodiments, the temperature sensor 204 is
mounted to the annular wall 112 to enable submersion of the
temperature sensor 204 in the liquid contained in the storage
chamber 110. The temperature sensor 204 may be mounted
substantially close to the bottom of the annular wall 112 or
mounted to the annular base 156, to ensure the temperature sensor
204 measures the temperature of the liquid, even when liquid levels
are relatively low.
[0051] In other example embodiments, temperature sensor 204 may be
placed in various locations within the water supply container
100.
[0052] In other example embodiments, one or more temperature
sensors 204 may be positioned to measure the temperature in one or
more of the valve chamber 152 or the annular drinking trough 114.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the temperature sensor 204 may be
incorporated into the controller 206 and positioned beneath base
106 where temperature sensor 204 can measure either or both of the
liquid temperature in the valve chamber 152 or the ambient air
temperature, and controller 206 controls the heating element 202
accordingly. Generally, the temperature sensor 204 is positioned in
any location that enables operation of heating system 200 as
described herein.
[0053] A power source 212 supplies power to the heating element
202. The power source 212 may include any suitable power source
such as a battery power or AC or DC power connection. When the
power source 212 supplies power to the heating element 202, the
heating element 202 emits thermal energy.
[0054] The controller 206 (also referred to as a thermostat) is
communicatively connected with the temperature sensor 204 and the
power source 212. The controller 206 may receive and transmit a
plurality of signals to and from the temperature sensor 204 and the
power source 212. In this illustrated embodiment, the controller
206 is mounted to the base 106 or the lower wall 210.
[0055] The controller 206 may receive a signal transmitted by the
temperature sensor 204 and the controller 206 may determine a
current temperature of the water contained within the water supply
container 100 based on this signal.
[0056] Further, the controller 206 may transmit a signal to the
power source 212, in order to adjust the power supplied to the
heating element 202. For example, the controller 206 may transmit a
signal to the power source 212 to cause the power source 212 to
turn on or off. In some example embodiments, the controller 206 may
selectively increase or decrease the power supplied (e.g., the
voltage or current supplied) to the heating element 202. As such,
the controller 206 may adjust the amount of heat supplied to the
water by the heating element 202.
[0057] Additionally, the controller 206 may adjust the power
supplied to the heating element 202 based on signals received from
the temperature sensor 204. In some example embodiments, the
controller 206 may be communicatively coupled to a memory 214. In
other example embodiments, the memory 214 may be integrated with
the controller 206. The memory 214 may store one or more values
associated with the monitored temperature of the water. In some
illustrated embodiments, the memory 214 stores a threshold
temperature value. The controller 206 may compare the current
temperature value, based on signals received from the temperature
sensor 204, to the threshold temperature value stored in the memory
214. If the current temperature falls below the threshold
temperature, then then the controller 206 may increase the power
supplied to the heating element 202.
[0058] In some embodiments, the threshold temperature may be in the
range of -2.degree. C. to 10.degree. C. (28.degree. F. to
50.degree. F.). If the current temperature falls below the
threshold, then the controller 206 may turn on the power supplied
to the heating element 202. Additionally or alternately, the
controller 206 may increase the power supplied to the heating
element 202, to increase the temperature of the water within the
water supply container 100.
[0059] Further, if the current temperature exceeds the threshold
value, then the controller may transmit a signal to the power
source 212 to shut off the power supplied to the heating element
202. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 206 may decrease
the power supplied to the heating element 202. The memory 214 may
store one or more threshold values, for example and without
limitation, an upper threshold value and a lower threshold
value.
[0060] In some example embodiments, the power supplied to the
heating element 202 may be shut off or turned on by a user switch.
As such, a user may selective shut off or supply power to the
heating element 202.
[0061] As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially,"
"essentially," and "approximately" when used in conjunction with
ranges of dimensions, concentrations, temperatures or other
physical or chemical properties or characteristics is meant to
cover variations that may exist in the upper and/or lower limits of
the ranges of the properties or characteristics, including, for
example, variations resulting from rounding, measurement
methodology or other statistical variation.
[0062] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the
embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said"
are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.
The terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean there may be additional elements
other than the listed elements. The use of terms indicating a
particular orientation (e.g., "top," "bottom," "side," etc.) is for
convenience of description and does not require any particular
orientation of the item described.
[0063] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description and
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *